Information processing device, information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method are provided. The cost of the device for providing voice guidance is reduced. The information processing apparatus performs: processing to provide voice guidance to a user using first voice data corresponding to a first language; determining if the user is using a language different from the first language; and, based on the result of the determination, obtaining second voice data corresponding to the language used by the user.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202210755281.6, application date June 29, 2022, entitled "Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing System and Information Processing Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a device for providing information. Background Technology

[0003] Systems that provide information via in-vehicle computers are becoming increasingly common. Relatedly, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a navigation device that provides guidance based on voice and visual information output.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-026653 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to reduce the cost of devices that provide voice guidance.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One embodiment of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus having a control unit that performs: providing voice guidance to a user using first voice data corresponding to a first language; determining that the user is using a language different from the first language; and, based on the result of the determination, obtaining second voice data corresponding to the language used by the user.

[0011] One embodiment of this disclosure is an information processing system comprising a first means for providing voice guidance to a user and a second means for providing voice data for the voice guidance. The first means has a control unit that performs: providing voice guidance to the user using first voice data corresponding to a first language; determining that the user is using a language different from the first language; and, based on the result of the determination, obtaining second voice data corresponding to the language used by the user from the second means.

[0012] One embodiment of this disclosure is an information processing method comprising: a step of providing voice guidance to a user using first voice data corresponding to a first language; a step of determining that the user is using a language different from the first language; and a step of obtaining second voice data corresponding to the language used by the user based on the result of the determination.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to this disclosure, the cost of a device for voice guidance can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structural elements of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a summary diagram illustrating the functional modules of the control unit and the data stored in the storage unit.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an example of a data set stored in the storage department.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the server device in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an example of a voice database stored on a server device.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the process in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an example of a screen where language settings are configured.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the process in the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is an example of a screen that suggests language settings.

[0025] Figure 11 This is an example of voice data generated by the server device in the third embodiment.

[0026] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached image)

[0027] 10: Vehicle; 20: Server unit; 100: DCM; 200: Vehicle-mounted device; 300: ECU; 101, 201, 21: Control unit; 102, 202, 22: Storage unit; 103, 203, 23: Communication unit; 104, 204: Input / output unit; 110: Antenna; 120: Communication module; 130: GPS antenna; 140: GPS module. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In recent years, cars with internet connectivity have become increasingly common. In-vehicle devices provide internet connectivity, enabling services such as emergency support and safety-related services. Such devices are also known as data communication modules (DCMs). Additionally, DCMs capable of providing voice guidance using pre-set voice data are also known.

[0029] However, when vehicles are sold across multiple countries and regions, there may be a problem where the language the user wants to use is inconsistent with the language of the preset voice data in the device. It is also possible to pre-store voice data corresponding to all languages ​​and make it selectable, but this introduces the additional problem of increased device manufacturing costs.

[0030] The information processing apparatus disclosed herein solves this problem.

[0031] One form of information processing apparatus disclosed herein includes a control unit that performs: providing voice guidance to a user using first voice data corresponding to a first language; determining that the user is using a language different from the first language; and, based on the result of the determination, acquiring second voice data corresponding to the language used by the user.

[0032] Typically, the information processing device is a device installed in a vehicle, but it is not limited to this. The first voice data can, for example, be a collection of multiple voice data stored in advance in the device. The control unit uses the first voice data to provide voice guidance to the user and determines that the user is using a language different from the first language.

[0033] The language used by the user can be obtained, for example, through other in-vehicle devices. For instance, if the vehicle is equipped with other devices that can be used as a user interface (such as a car navigation system), the language can be specified via those devices. Alternatively, if the vehicle is equipped with a voice input device, the user's language can be determined based on the user's spoken voice. Thus, the information processing apparatus of this disclosure may not necessarily have an input device for specifying a language.

[0034] Based on the judgment, the control unit obtains second voice data corresponding to the language used by the user. This second voice data can, for example, be obtained from an external device providing the voice data via a network.

[0035] The control unit, for example, overwrites the acquired second voice data with the first voice data, thereby switching languages.

[0036] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure based on the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware structures, module structures, and functional structures described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology to those specific embodiments.

[0037] (First Implementation)

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The outline of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment will be described below. The vehicle system of this embodiment is configured to include a vehicle 10 and a server device 20.

[0039] Vehicle 10 is a connected car with communication capabilities with external networks. Vehicle 10 is configured to include a DCM (Data Communication Module) 100, an on-board unit 200, and an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0040] in addition, Figure 1 The example shown is a single ECU 300, but the vehicle 10 may also contain multiple ECUs 300.

[0041] DCM 100 is a device for wireless communication with an external network. DCM 100 functions as a gateway for connecting components (hereinafter, vehicle components) of vehicle 10 to an external network. For example, DCM 100 provides access to an external network for the vehicle-mounted device 200 and ECU 300 of vehicle 10. Thus, the vehicle-mounted device 200 and ECU 300 can communicate with external devices connected to the network via DCM 100.

[0042] The in-vehicle device 200 is a device that provides information to the occupants of a vehicle (e.g., a car navigation system). The in-vehicle device 200 is also referred to as a car navigation system, infotainment system, or head unit. Through the in-vehicle device 200, navigation and entertainment can be provided to the occupants of the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 200 can also download traffic information, road map data, music, moving images, etc., via the DCM 100.

[0043] Server device 20 is a device for providing information to vehicle 10. In this embodiment, server device 20 provides vehicle 10 with voice data used during voice guidance in DCM 100. Additionally, server device 20 can also function as a device for providing other information to vehicle 10 (e.g., traffic information, information related to infotainment, etc.).

[0044] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structural elements of the vehicle 10 of this embodiment. The vehicle 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a DCM 100, an on-board unit 200, and multiple ECUs 300A, 300B... (hereinafter collectively referred to as ECU 300).

[0045] ECU 300 may also include multiple ECUs that govern different vehicle components. Examples of multiple ECUs include, for example, a body ECU, an engine ECU, a hybrid ECU, and a transmission ECU. Furthermore, ECU 300 may also be divided by functional units. For example, it may be divided into ECUs that perform safety functions, ECUs that perform automatic parking functions, and ECUs that perform remote control functions.

[0046] The DCM 100 is configured to include an antenna 110, a communication module 120, a GPS antenna 130, a GPS module 140, a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, and an input / output unit 104.

[0047] Antenna 110 is an antenna element that inputs and outputs wireless signals. In this embodiment, antenna 110 is suitable for mobile communication (e.g., 3G, LTE, 5G, etc.). Alternatively, antenna 110 may be configured to include multiple physical antennas. For example, in the case of mobile communication utilizing high-frequency radio waves such as microwaves and millimeter waves, multiple antennas can be distributed to achieve communication stability.

[0048] Communication module 120 is a communication module used for mobile communication.

[0049] GPS antenna 130 is an antenna that receives positioning signals transmitted from positioning satellites (also known as GNSS satellites).

[0050] GPS module 140 is a module that calculates location information based on signals received through GPS antenna 130.

[0051] The control unit 101 is a computing unit that executes prescribed programs to implement various functions of the DCM 100. The control unit 101 can be implemented, for example, by a CPU.

[0052] The control unit 101 performs the function of mediating communication between an external network and components (vehicle components) of the vehicle 10. For example, when a vehicle component needs to communicate with an external network, the control unit 101 performs the function of relaying data sent from that vehicle component to the external network. In addition, it performs the function of receiving data sent from the external network and transmitting that data to the appropriate vehicle component.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 101 can perform the inherent functions of this device. For example, the control unit 101 is configured to perform the monitoring function of the safety system, the communication function, and to issue safety notifications, emergency notifications, etc. based on triggers occurring inside the vehicle.

[0054] Storage unit 102 is a memory device that includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device stores the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. By loading the programs stored therein onto the main storage device and executing them, the various functions that meet the specified purpose, as described later, can be achieved.

[0055] The communication unit 103 is an interface unit for connecting the DCM 100 to the vehicle network. In this embodiment, multiple vehicle components, including the vehicle device 200 and the ECU 300, are interconnected via the vehicle network bus 400. CAN (Controller Area Network) can be cited as an example of a vehicle network standard. Furthermore, when the vehicle network utilizes multiple standards, the communication unit 103 may also have multiple interface devices matching the standard of the communication destination. The Internet (registered trademark) can be cited as an example of a communication standard other than CAN.

[0056] Next, the functions performed by the control unit 101 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional modules of the control unit 101 and the data stored in the storage unit 102. The functional modules of the control unit 101 can be implemented by the control unit 101 executing programs stored in storage units such as ROM.

[0057] The data relay unit 1011 relays data transmitted and received between vehicle components. For example, it performs the process of receiving a message sent by a first device connected to the vehicle network and transmitting the message to a second device connected to the vehicle network as needed. The first and second devices can be the ECU 300 or other vehicle components.

[0058] Furthermore, when the data relay unit 1011 receives a message from a vehicle component indicating an external network as the destination, it relays the message to the external network. Additionally, it receives data sent from the external network and transmits that data to the appropriate vehicle component.

[0059] In the event of an abnormal situation in vehicle 10, the emergency notification unit 1012 issues an emergency notification to the operator outside the vehicle. Examples of abnormal situations include traffic accidents and vehicle malfunctions. The emergency notification unit 1012 initiates a connection with the operator upon triggering events such as pressing a call button located inside the vehicle or airbag deployment, enabling communication between the vehicle occupants and the operator. Additionally, during an emergency notification, the emergency notification unit 1012 can also send the vehicle's location information to the operator. In this case, the emergency notification unit 1012 can obtain the location information from the GPS module 140. The emergency notification unit 1012 can also output voice guidance using voice data described later.

[0060] The safety management unit 1013 performs safety monitoring. For example, based on data received from the ECU 300, which manages the vehicle's electronic locks, the safety management unit 1013 detects that the vehicle has not been unlocked in the correct order and sends a safety notification to a designated device. Furthermore, the safety notification may include the vehicle's location information. In this case, the safety management unit 1013 can obtain the location information from the GPS module 140. If the safety management unit 1013 determines that a safety issue has occurred with the vehicle, it can obtain the location information and periodically send it to a pre-designated external device. Similar to the emergency notification unit 1012, the safety management unit 1013 can also output voice guidance.

[0061] The Language Management Unit 1014 manages the voice data used by the DCM 100. The various functional modules of the DCM 100 can use the voice data stored in the Storage Unit 102 for voice guidance.

[0062] On the other hand, when vehicle 10 is sold (or resold) across countries or regions, there may be a situation where the language used by the user is inconsistent with the language provided by the DCM 100. Therefore, when the language used by the user and the language provided by the DCM 100 are different, the language management unit 1014 obtains voice data corresponding to the appropriate language from the server device 20 and resets the language of the voice guidance. As a result, vehicle 10 can provide appropriate voice guidance even when moving to countries or regions that were not originally intended.

[0063] Storage unit 102 stores data set 102A.

[0064] Data set 102A is a collection of voice data used by DCM 100 for voice guidance. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an example of data set 102A. Data set 102A contains multiple records, including a language ID, a voice ID, and binary data. The language ID is an identifier for a language (e.g., Japanese). Storage unit 102 stores only data set 102A corresponding to a single language. The voice ID is an identifier assigned to each voice. The binary data is the main body of the voice data. As shown, data set 102A stores multiple voice data corresponding to multiple guides provided by DCM 100.

[0065] The communication unit 103 is an interface unit for connecting the DCM 100 to the vehicle network. In this embodiment, multiple vehicle components, including the ECU 200, are interconnected via the vehicle network bus 400. CAN (Controller Area Network) can be cited as a standard for the vehicle network. Furthermore, when the vehicle network utilizes multiple standards, the communication unit 103 may also have multiple interface devices that match the standard of the communication destination. The Internet (registered trademark) can be cited as a communication standard other than CAN.

[0066] The input / output unit 104 is a unit for inputting and outputting information. Specifically, it is configured to include a help button that can be pressed in an emergency, a microphone, a speaker, etc. In this embodiment, the input / output unit 104 does not have a screen.

[0067] Furthermore, the DCM 100 can also be configured to operate independently of other components of the vehicle 10. For example, an auxiliary battery can be built into the DCM 100, enabling it to operate independently without relying on an external power source. With this configuration, even if other components of the vehicle 10 malfunction (e.g., power failure) due to a traffic accident, emergency notifications can still be made.

[0068] Back Figure 2 This indicates that the vehicle-mounted device is 200.

[0069] The in-vehicle device 200 is a device that provides information to the occupants of the vehicle 10, and is also known as a car navigation system, infotainment system, or in-vehicle host. The in-vehicle device 200 can provide navigation and entertainment to the occupants of the vehicle. In addition, the in-vehicle device 200 may also have the function of downloading traffic information, road map data, music, moving images, etc., by communicating with the external network of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 200 may also be a device that works in conjunction with smartphones, etc.

[0070] In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 200 also functions as the front end of the DCM 100. For example, when the DCM 100 performs a prescribed process (such as an emergency notification), the vehicle-mounted device 200 performs input and output of information associated with that process (such as displaying the operator's call status). Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 200 obtains the language designation when the DCM 100 changes the language of the voice guidance.

[0071] The vehicle-mounted device 200 can be constructed from a general-purpose computer. That is, the vehicle-mounted device 200 can be configured as a computer with processors such as CPU and GPU, main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as EPROM, hard disk drives, and removable media. The auxiliary storage devices store the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. By executing the stored programs, various functions that meet the specified purpose can be achieved, as described later. However, some or all of the functions can also be implemented using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0072] The vehicle-mounted device 200 is configured to have a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and an input / output unit 204.

[0073] The control unit 201 is the unit responsible for controlling the vehicle-mounted device 200. The control unit 201 is composed of information processing units such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0074] The control unit 201 provides information to the occupants of the vehicle. This information may include, for example, traffic information, navigation information, music or video, radio broadcasts, and digital television broadcasts. The control unit 201 outputs this information via the input / output unit 204.

[0075] Storage unit 202 is a unit for storing information, and is composed of storage media such as RAM, disk, and flash memory. Storage unit 202 stores various programs executed by control unit 201, data used by those programs, etc.

[0076] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface for connecting the vehicle-mounted device 200 to the bus 400 of the vehicle network.

[0077] The input / output unit 204 is a unit that accepts input operations from the user and presents information to the user. Specifically, it consists of a touch panel and its control unit, and a liquid crystal display and its control unit. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the liquid crystal display are combined into a single touch panel display. Additionally, the input / output unit 204 may also include a speaker or similar device for outputting voice.

[0078] Next, we will explain ECU 300.

[0079] ECU 300 is an electronic control unit that controls the components of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 may contain multiple ECUs 300. Multiple ECUs 300 may control components of different systems, such as the engine system, electrical system, and transmission system. ECU 300 has the function of generating prescribed messages and periodically sending and receiving them via the vehicle network.

[0080] In addition, the ECU 300 can provide specified services by communicating with an external network via the DCM 100. These specified services include, for example, remote services (e.g., remote air conditioning service), security monitoring services, services that collaborate with smart homes, and automatic parking services (services that automatically navigate between parking areas and building entrances).

[0081] The ECU 300 can be configured as a computer with processors such as CPU and GPU, main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as EPROM, hard disk drive, and removable media, just like the DCM 100.

[0082] Network bus 400 is the communication bus that constitutes the in-vehicle network. Furthermore, while this example illustrates one bus, vehicle 10 may also have two or more communication buses. Multiple communication buses can be interconnected by a centralizing DCM 100 and a gateway for the multiple communication buses.

[0083] Next, the server device 20 will be described. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the server device 20 in the first embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, server device 20 provides a set of voice data corresponding to a specified language according to the request from DCM 100 (language management unit 1014). Server device 20 can also serve as a device for providing other information (e.g., traffic information, navigation-related information, etc.) to DCM 100 and vehicle-mounted device 200.

[0085] Server device 20 can be configured as a general-purpose computer. That is, server device 20 can be configured as a computer with processors such as CPU and GPU, main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, auxiliary storage devices such as EPROM, hard disk drive, and removable media.

[0086] The server device 20 is configured to have a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0087] The control unit 21 is a computing device responsible for controlling the server device 20. The control unit 21 can be implemented using a computing processing device such as a CPU.

[0088] The control unit 21 is configured to include a data provision unit 211 as a functional module. This functional module can also be implemented by the CPU executing a stored program.

[0089] The data providing unit 211 obtains a set of voice data corresponding to the specified language from the voice database 22A (described later) according to the request from DCM 100 (language management unit 1014) and provides it to DCM 100.

[0090] The storage unit 22 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory that displays the program executed by the control unit 21 and the data used by the control program. The auxiliary storage device is a device that stores the program executed in the control unit 21 and the data used by the control program.

[0091] Storage unit 22 stores voice database 22A. Voice database 22A is a database that manages voice data used by DCM100 for each of the multiple languages. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the voice database 22A. As shown, the voice database 22A stores multiple voice data corresponding to multiple language IDs (L001, L002, ...). The data providing unit 211 retrieves a set of voice data corresponding to the language specified by the DCM 100 from the voice database 22A and sends it to the DCM 100.

[0092] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 20 to a network. The communication unit 23 is configured, for example, to include a network interface port and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0093] Next, we will explain how to handle the change of voice guidance language in DCM 100. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the structural elements included in the vehicle system of this embodiment. The processing shown in the diagram begins when the vehicle user performs an operation to change the meaning of the voice-guided language.

[0094] First, in step S11, the vehicle-mounted device 200 accepts a language setting change operation. The vehicle-mounted device 200, for example, via... Figure 8 The illustrated screen allows for language setting changes. Furthermore, the illustrated screen shows the scenario where the in-vehicle device 200 functions as a front-end for the DCM 100; however, the in-vehicle device 200 could also be a separate device such as a car navigation system. In this case, changing the navigation system's language setting can be used as a trigger to begin language setting for the DCM 100. In this case, the voice guidance language used by the DCM 100 becomes the same as the language set for the navigation system.

[0095] Alternatively, this step can also be performed at a scheduled time during the initial setup of vehicle 10 (set by the user after the vehicle is purchased).

[0096] Information related to the changed language is sent to DCM 100.

[0097] In step S12, DCM 100 (Language Management Unit 1014) obtains the language currently used in this device.

[0098] Next, in step S13, it is determined whether the modified language is the same as the language currently in use. If the determination is positive, the process ends. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0099] In step S14, the language management unit 1014 generates a request to obtain voice data and sends it to the server device 20 (data providing unit 211). The request contains information to identify the changed language.

[0100] Next, in step S15, the data providing unit 211 obtains a set of voice data corresponding to the requested language from the voice database 22A stored in the storage unit 22, and sends the obtained voice data to the DCM 100.

[0101] In step S16, the language management unit 1014 updates the voice data contained in the data set 102A based on the acquired voice data. This changes the language of the voice guidance.

[0102] As explained above, the DCM 100 of the first embodiment obtains voice data for guidance from a server device based on a user's request. Therefore, the language of the voice guidance can be switched to any language.

[0103] In this embodiment, the DCM 100 does not store voice data corresponding to all languages, but only obtains the necessary voice data from an external source when the language used for voice guidance differs from the language used by the user. This reduces the storage capacity of the DCM 100, contributing to cost reduction.

[0104] (Second Implementation)

[0105] In the first implementation, the user specifies the language to switch to. In contrast, the second implementation automatically determines the language the user is currently using and decides on the language to switch to based on the determination result.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the language management unit 1014 proactively determines that the language being used by the user is different from the language set in the DCM 100, and suggests to the user that the language of the voice guidance be changed.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the processes performed by the structural elements included in the vehicle system of the second embodiment. Steps identical to those in the first embodiment are shown in dashed lines and their descriptions are omitted.

[0108] First, in step S11A, the DCM 100 (language management unit 1014) acquires the voice inside the vehicle 10. The voice inside the vehicle can be acquired using a microphone or the like included in the input / output unit 104.

[0109] Next, in step S12A, the language management unit 1014 analyzes the acquired speech and determines the language. For example, it determines that a conversation is being conducted in English inside the vehicle. The language obtained from the analysis becomes a candidate for the changed language.

[0110] If the candidate language is different from the language guided by the DCM 100, the process transfers to step S13A.

[0111] In step S13A, a decision is made as to whether to perform a language switch. In this step, for example, the user is advised to switch languages ​​via the input / output unit 104 or the vehicle-mounted device 200. For example, the output may be as follows: Figure 10 The system displays a screen as shown and obtains a response from the user. If the user agrees, the process proceeds to step S14. If no agreement is received, the process ends.

[0112] The processing after step S14 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0113] As explained above, in the second embodiment, based on the language of the voice detected inside the vehicle, a change in the voice guidance language of the DCM100 is suggested. Thus, the voice guidance language can be changed even without the user actively performing any operation.

[0114] Furthermore, the language detected from the in-vehicle voice is not necessarily limited to the native language of the occupants of vehicle 10. Therefore, if the suggestion in step S13A is not accepted, subsequent suggestions (or suggestions to switch to the same language) can be stopped.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 9 The processing shown can be performed only during the initial setup of vehicle 10. For example, DCM 100 can prompt the user to speak in the desired language and determine the changed language based on that speech.

[0116] (Third Implementation)

[0117] In the first and second embodiments, a single language is set as the modified language. However, depending on the region where the vehicle 10 travels, the race and nationality of the occupants, there are situations where using a single language is not preferred. For example, there may be cases where the driver and passengers have different native languages. In particular, when the DCM 100 provides emergency notification services, it is preferable to provide voice guidance in multiple languages ​​so that all occupants can understand the guidance.

[0118] The third embodiment corresponds to this, and is therefore an embodiment in which the server device 20 generates voice data guided in multiple languages.

[0119] The third embodiment differs from the embodiment described above in that the language management unit 1014 determines that there are two or more languages.

[0120] For example, in step S11 of the first embodiment, two or more languages ​​can be specified. Furthermore, in step S11A of the second embodiment, the voice obtained can include two or more languages.

[0121] For example, Language Management Department 1014 determines that "the user has specified both Japanese and English as the changed languages" or "Japanese and English are detected from the voice prompts in the car".

[0122] The retrieval request sent from DCM 100 to server device 20 includes a specification of two or more languages ​​(e.g., Japanese and English).

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, in step S15, the server device 20 (data providing unit 211) generates voice data guided according to two or more specified languages.

[0124] In step S15, the data providing unit 211 combines the voice data contained in the voice database 22A, thereby generating a set of voice data guided according to multiple languages. For example, ... Figure 6 The Japanese speech data shown by label 601 and the English speech data shown by label 602 are combined to generate, as follows: Figure 11 The voice data, as shown in label 1101, is guided in both Japanese and English. This processing is performed for each of the multiple voice IDs. The generated voice data is then sent to the DCM100.

[0125] Based on this voice data, the DCM 100 updates the data set 102A stored in the storage unit 102. Thus, the DCM 100 can be configured to provide voice guidance for multiple languages.

[0126] Furthermore, while this embodiment illustrates two languages, the number of languages ​​could be three or more. In this case, the server device 20 can also obtain the target speech data by combining speech data corresponding to multiple languages.

[0127] (Modified example)

[0128] The above-described implementation method is merely one example, and this disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0129] For example, the processes and units described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as they do not create technical contradictions.

[0130] Furthermore, in the description of the implementation method, the language setting change process is initiated based on the user's request or the user's voice; however, this process can be triggered by other circumstances. For example, DCM 100 can perform the following process: if the user does not respond to voice guidance in the first language, it can suggest a change to the user's language setting. Alternatively, it can perform a process to change the language setting to the default (English, etc.).

[0131] Furthermore, the processing described in the instructions for processing performed by one device can also be performed by multiple devices. Alternatively, the processing described in the instructions for processing performed by different devices can be performed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware architecture (server architecture) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0132] This disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer with a computer that has installed the functions described in the above embodiments, and having one or more processors read and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk drive (HDD), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, the control unit performing: Obtain in-vehicle voice commands; and If it is determined that the user uses at least two languages, voice data corresponding to the two or more languages ​​used by the user is obtained from an external device for voice guidance, which is a combination of voice data corresponding to the two or more languages ​​respectively.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing device is an information processing device installed in the vehicle. The information processing device also has a communication module. The control unit obtains the voice data from the external device via the communication module.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, When a language setting change operation is performed on the second information processing device installed in the vehicle, the control unit acquires the voice data corresponding to the changed language.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The second information processing device is a car navigation device or an in-vehicle host device with a display device.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit suggests switching the language of the voice guidance if the user does not respond to the voice guidance in two or more languages.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information processing device is installed in the vehicle and is capable of providing interconnection services independently of other components of the vehicle.

7. An information processing system, comprising a first device having a first control unit and a second device having a second control unit, wherein, The first control unit executes: Obtain in-vehicle voice commands; and It was determined that the user used at least two languages. The second control unit executes: Based on the result of the judgment, voice data corresponding to the two or more languages ​​used by the user for voice guidance is generated, which is a combination of voice data corresponding to the two or more languages ​​respectively; and The generated voice data is output to the first device. The first control unit obtains the output voice data from the second device.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein, The first device is a device mounted on a vehicle. The second device is a server device for managing the vehicle.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein, When a language setting change operation is performed on the third device installed in the vehicle, the first control unit acquires the voice data corresponding to the changed language.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein, The third device is a car navigation device or an in-vehicle host device with a display device.

11. The information processing system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The first device is a device mounted on a vehicle and capable of providing interconnection services independently of other components of the vehicle.

12. An information processing method, comprising: The steps to obtain in-vehicle voice commands; and When it is determined that the user uses at least two languages, the step is to obtain voice data from an external device that corresponds to the two or more languages ​​used by the user for voice guidance, and to combine the voice data corresponding to the two or more languages ​​respectively.

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